Menu

Labels

Search This Blog

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Chia Seeds

What is Chia Seeds?Chia seeds are harvested from the Salvia hispanica plant, a type of sage in the Mint family. They were a staple of the ancient Aztec diet, and they are now grown commercially in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. I find it is taste less but lot of benefits. However I heard people saying it has some nutty flavour.

Health Benefits

Chia is gluten free. It is super high in dietary fibre, making it great for digestion and healing digestion issues.

It contains 20% Omega 3 ALA, making it a super food for the brain and heart. Chia has eight times more Omega 3 than salmon!

It boasts 20% protein. The protein is a complete protein with all 8 essential amino acids

It is high in antioxidants (It has a four times higher ORAC value than blueberries)

Chia contains five times more calcium than milk. Chia contains seven times more vitamin C than oranges. It contains three times more iron than spinach. It contains twice the potassium content of banana

When added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar. Hence it has +ve impact on blood glucose levels. So it is good for diabetics patients

Chia seeds are popular for weight loss. They reduce food cravings by preventing some of the food that you eat from getting absorbed into your system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper.

Medical disclaimer:

The information and reference guides in this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.

Source: Nutrient data for this listing was provided by USDA SR-21. Each "~" indicates a missing or incomplete value.

Percent Daily Values (%DV) are for adults or children aged 4 or older, and are based on a 2,000 calorie reference diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your individual needs.

Nutrition Data's Opinion, Completeness Score™, Fullness Factor™, Rating, Estimated Glycemic Load (eGL), and Better Choices Substitutions™ are editorial opinions of NutritionData.com, given without warranty, and are not intended to replace the advice of a nutritionist or health-care professional. Nutrition Data's opinions and ratings are based on weighted averages of the nutrient densities of those nutrients for which the FDA has established Daily Values, and do not consider other nutrients that may be important to your health or take into account your individual needs. Consequently, Nutrition Data's higher-rated foods may not necessarily be healthier for you than lower-rated ones. All foods, regardless of their rating, have the potential to play an important role in your diet.

The Amino Acid Score has not been corrected for digestibility, which could reduce its value.

1. Use chia seeds as a topping in smoothies, oat meals, yogurt, Salad. You can use them as raw or as powder

2. Make smoothies and beverages with chia gel. When soaked for 30 mins Chia becomes like jel. It can be soaked in milk or water or with any juices. The gel can also be used as an eggsubstitute in vegan baking

How to Store

Chia seeds can be stored for longer time. Store it in airtight container preferably with glass or plastic container, away from direct sun light

Recipe Using Chia Seeds(Here I list only main dishes.. but Chia Seeds an be used in lot of dishes for decoration or just to add little flavour)